Page 97 of Hold Still

Opening it, I welcome Aiden and Ginger into the house. “Would you like a drink? Iced tea or something stronger?” My stomach revolts at the thought of adding more alcohol to it, so I go with the iced tea.

Handing the same to Aiden and a water to Ginger, I escort us outside, picking up the music and my guitar on the way. Once we’re all seated at the patio table, Ginger asks, “How many songs do you have for me today?”

“Four are done, and another five are in different stages of completion, but all are ready for you.”

She inclines her head and goes over the sheet music for the new songs. After giving some suggested changes and listening to what we recorded, the two go back and forth about logistics and recording time in LA next month. I’m content to let Aiden carry this meeting. While I’m proud of my new songs, this whole process feels like a farce somehow. Actually, more like hollow.

Ginger turns to me. “This is quite the body of work you created. I love the new vibe. Different. And your lyrics are much more evolved.” She huffs out a strangled laugh. “Here I was worried Luis was the real talent.”

I had wondered the same thing for a long time, but Luis was more of a crutch. We were good together before Platinum came knocking. Now I realize, though, that he smothered my creativity. Writing these songs was more freeing. Moreme. “These songs better represent me. Plus, I did have help from my band. They’re a great group of guys.”

“Do you want to stay together for this next album?”

Nodding, I answer, “I do. They need to be listed as co-collaborators because we’ve been tweaking what I wrote. And I want to tour with them, assuming they’re okay with leaving Vegas.” I never asked them if they’d go on tour with me, but since we’re all single, I doubt there would be an issue.

Ginger scribbles some notes down on her pad. “We’ll make it happen.” Standing, she gathers her papers. “We’ve been at this for three hours and I have to head back to LA.” She places her hand on my shoulder. “Keep up the great work. I’ll schedule more recording time for you in LA in mid-January.” She looks at Aiden. “I’ll let you know the exact dates.”

I should be more excited. Yet, I’m empty. “Sounds good. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

Returning to the patio, I drop down into the chair next to Aiden. “Your album is hot AF. You’re going to rule the airwaves.”

I take a sip of my remaining iced tea. “I hope so. I need to pay the mortgage.”

He laughs. “I’m pretty sure you don’t have to worry about that.” Bans runs through her doggie door and drops a drool-covered ball at his feet. Without flinching, he picks it up and throws it to the far end of the yard. “So, McKenna’s really history, huh?”

The unexpected mention of her name halts my hand from returning my glass to the table. “Yeah,” comes out in a strangled tone.

Bans barks and he tosses the ball again. “Too bad. I liked her.”

“Boy, can I pick them. She was just like Teresa. All women are the same.”

He places his glass down with a thud. “No way? I didn’t get that vibe off of her. She seemed so real.”

Running my fingers through my hair, I watch Bans as she scampers back to us, ball in her mouth. Snapping my fingers, she alters course and brings her toy to me. Throwing it in a different direction, I reply, “I thought she was.”

Silence, except for an occasional bark from Bans, descends on the backyard. After two more throws, Aiden stands. “I’ve got some errands to take care of for you before the concert tonight. I’ll see you at the Jade in a couple.”

“Sounds good.”

He lets himself out, leaving me alone with sheet music that tells the story of falling in love. I pick up my pencil and start crossing out some lyrics. What do I know about love anyway?

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